Too Many Toys? Simple Toy Rotation Tips and Non-Toy Gift Ideas
I’m not sure how we got here. Our home is small, and while we’re not minimalists, we do try to keep things pared down. But somehow, we’re overwhelmed with toys—there’s one to trip over at every turn! To help with this I’ve started a simple toy rotation.
When I think of toy rotation, it can feel overwhelming—pulling down bins, putting things away, and bringing things out. It just seems like too much. But I’ve discovered the simplest, no-stress way to manage toys.
First, use the container method to declutter your toys. Decide on where your toys will live, and make sure the space fits them comfortably. In our house, the boys’ toys are stored in their room, in a bedside table with three drawers. Additionally, I keep a larger farmhouse toy and two bigger trucks in their closet.
Every Sunday, I go into their room, fill a basket with toys, and bring it to the living room where they play. This way, even if they make a big mess, at the end of the day all that’s required to clean up is to put everything back in the basket.
To top it off, I’ve declared this year a ‘no-toy’ year. I’m not adding any new toys to our home. Instead, I’ve started keeping a list of non-toy gift ideas on my phone for birthdays and Christmas—gifts that won’t contribute to the toy clutter. Here’s a glimpse at that list:
1. Experience Gifts
- Classes or workshops: Sign them up for something they’re interested in—dance, art, cooking, or sports lessons. This past Christmas, Grandma gifted our toddler a construction class at a local park district, and it’s a tradition I’d like to continue.
- Memberships: A year-long pass to a local zoo, aquarium, science center, or nature reserve. This year, we’re thinking about gifting a 10-punch pass to the Park District Parent/Tot Open Gym—it’s such a fun and practical gift for winter birthdays. Since January and February are the coldest months here in the Midwest, it’s the perfect time to enjoy indoor play. Plus, it’s a great spot to meet mom friends or have a playdate without the pressure of keeping the house spotless.
2. Books
- Personalized Storybooks: Books that feature the child’s name and likeness make reading even more special.
- Activity Books: Puzzle books, coloring books, or interactive learning books that engage them in a fun way.
Here is a list of our favorite bible stories for babies and toddlers.
3. Practical Gifts
- Clothing: Consider practical items like a jacket, shoes, or accessories that they will use regularly or grow into. Choose seasonally appropriate gear—do they need new snow boots? Pair them with a sled or a snowball maker for extra fun. Is summer approaching? Think of essentials like goggles, a beach towel, or a sunhat. This idea works well for babies too! Putting together a list of the clothes they need makes for a thoughtful and adorable gift.
- Bedding or Room Decor: Fun bedding sets, night lights, or wall art can refresh their room without creating clutter. This is great for children of any age. This is perfect for kids of any age, from toddlers to teenagers.
- Water bottles or Lunchboxes: Practical items that get a lot of use and can reflect their personality. Water bottles get lost. They get broken. They get sticky. They start to leak. It’s nice to replace them once a year.
4. Art & Craft Kits
- DIY Craft Kits: Things like bead-making, knitting kits, or ceramic painting encourage creativity without adding to the toy pile.
- Drawing/Art Supplies: Markers, sketchbooks, watercolor sets—anything that lets them explore their creativity.
5. Games and Puzzles
- Board Games/Puzzles: Games like Little Builders, The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Board Game or Domino that are fun for calm play between bath and bed.
6. Outdoor Gear
- Sports Equipment: Think soccer balls, basketballs, or even something like a pogo stick or a kite.
- Camping Gear: A small tent, sleeping bag, or camping chairs are great for making memories outdoors. Don’t overlook this for toddlers! A small pop-up tent can provide hours of indoor fun during the winter. We also have a 2-man tent for the backyard, and on Father’s Day, my husband and toddler have a backyard camping adventure. It’s adorable and totally worth the setup!
7. Subscriptions
- Magazine Subscriptions: Age-appropriate magazines about science, nature, or history.
- Monthly Kits: Subscription boxes for things like science experiments, books, or art supplies.
Subscriptions are also a great option for family members who don’t live nearby— it’ll be delivered right to their door!
8. Bath Products
- Bath Bombs: Colorful, fizzy bath bombs for a fun bath experience.
- Bubble Bath: Fun-scented bubble bath for extra sudsy fun.
- Bath Crayons and Paints: Let them get creative in the tub with crayons or paints designed for bath time.
By incorporating these simple toy rotation strategies and thoughtful non-toy gift ideas, we can create a more organized home and meaningful gift-giving experiences without adding to the toy clutter. It’s all about finding balance and choosing gifts that encourage learning, creativity, and fun—without overwhelming our space. So, the next time you’re looking for the perfect gift, consider these practical and exciting options that will bring joy without the mess!
